Featuring eleven ukuleles anchored by a double bass, the band’s on-stage antics are legendary. Stunning solos are juxtaposed against comically budget lighting effects and questionable banter. The song choices themselves only serve to highlight the musical excellence and comic brilliance of the group. “Resistance is futile”.
The WIUO consists of Age Pryor (also of Fly My Pretties), Andy Morley Hall, Bek Coogan, Bret McKenzie (also of Flight of the Conchords and The Black Seeds), Carmel Russell, Dan Yeabsley (of Twinset), Francis Salole, Gemma Gracewood, Megan Hosking, Nigel Collins, Sam Auger, and Steve Jessup.
They have released three CDs (The Heartache EP, The Little Bit Wonderful EP and The Dreaming EP) and a 7-inch (Blue Smoke/That's Amore). The EPs are available through http://www.amplifier.co.nz/ or http://www.smokecds.com/.
More information can be found at http://www.ukulele.co.nz/ or http://www.myspace.com/wellingtoninternationalukuleleorchestra.
Africa
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in twelve-thirty flight
Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say: "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra's song "Africa" talks about a man who is reflecting on his journey to Africa, his experience, and his emotions. As he hears the drums echoing, he is reminded of his time in Africa, but his companion only hears whispers of some quiet conversation. As they approach Africa, the moonlit wings of the plane reflect the stars that guide the man towards salvation. Along the way, he stops an old man, seeking old forgotten words or ancient melodies. The old man gestures to the man to hurry for what's waiting for him.
As the man arrives in Africa, he is struck by the wild dogs crying out in the night, as they grow restless longing for some solitary company. He knows he must do what's right, and he seeks to cure what's deep inside him, frightened of this thing that he's become. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast. He is reminded that it's gonna take a lot to drag him away from his companion. He blesses the rains down in Africa and acknowledges that it's going to take some time to do the things that they've never had.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the drums echoing tonight
The sound of African drums can be heard in the distance, creating a sense of anticipation and adventure
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
Despite being in the same location, the woman is not fully present and is preoccupied with her own thoughts
She's coming in twelve-thirty flight
The woman is arriving at a specific time, likely from a different location
Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
The artist sees the woman as a savior-like figure, guiding them through the darkness with her shining presence
I stopped an old man along the way Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say: 'Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you'
The artist encounters an elderly figure who seems to suggest that there is something important waiting for them, urging them to move quickly
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The singer is determined to stay by their loved one's side and expresses gratitude for the beauty of Africa, acknowledging that it will take time to experience everything the continent has to offer
The wild dogs cry out in the night As they grow restless longing for some solitary company I know that I must do what's right Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
The sounds of nature remind the singer of their inner conflict, prompting them to reflect on their choices and seek inner healing
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
The urgency to move forward and reunite with the woman is reinforced
I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the artist's appreciation for the beauty and significance of Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The artist acknowledges that there is much to experience and learn in this new chapter of their life, but is excited to take on the challenge
Contributed by Kayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.